crash landed his aircraft without injury. The other two remained above Lembang, but were now dogfighting six Mitsubishi A6Ms. Van Helsdingen was soon shot down, but Bruggink managed to escape into the clouds before returning to Andir airfield. The Dutch forces in Lembang surrendered the next day. Bruggink and Deibel were awarded the Military William Order, the highest award available from the Netherlands, while van Helsdingen and Scheffer (who died a prisoner of war) were posthumously awarded the honour on 14 July 1948. Decorations Even though the squadron was short-lived, it has been one of the most highly decorated squadrons of the Dutch East Indies. 1 x Knight 3rd Class of the Military Order of William Capt. J.P. van Helsdingen (R.O. no 5 of July 14, 1948. Posthumously awarded.) 4 x Knight 4th Class of the Military Order of William Capt. J.P. van Helsdingen (R.O. no 15 of February 11, 1942. Retracted when receiving MWO3 on July 14, 1948) 1st Lt. A.G. Deibel (R.O. no 5 of July 14, 1948) 1st Lt. J.F. Scheffer (R.O. no 5 of July 14, 1948. Posthumously awarded.) Sgt. G.M. Bruggink (R.O. no 5 of July 14, 1948) 2 x Bronze Cross 2nd Lt. P.A. Hoyer (R.O. no 01z of February 24, 1942) Ens. R.A. Rothkrans (R.O. no 01z of February 24, 1942. Posthumously awarded.) 4 x Airman's Cross Capt. J.P. van Helsdingen (R.O. no 01z of January 27, 1942) Sgt. G.M. Bruggink (R.O. no 01z of January 27, 1942. Retracted when receiving MWO4 on July 14, 1948) Sgt. A.E. Stoové (R.O. no 01z of February 24, 1942) Sgt. P.C. 't Hart (R.O. no 63 of January 9, 1948) Notes References Aviation units and formations of the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army Military units and formations established in 1915 Military history of Indonesia Military history of the Netherlands Dutch East Indies